National Grid offers upstate New York customers tips to manage energy usage and winter bills

by jmaloni

Submitted

Wed, Mar 5th 2014 03:15 pm

One of the coldest winters on record
continues its grip across New York, and this has had a direct impact on energy
bills. National Grid wants to do everything it can to help upstate
New York customers through this tough winter.

As snow and frigid temperatures remain in the
forecast, National Grid reminds its
upstate New York customers to take steps to
make their homes and businesses more energy-efficient and better manage their
energy bills. While furnaces may be working harder, these tips can help save
energy in other ways.

Top 10 Ways to
Decrease Your Utility Bill

•Insulate
walls, ceilings and windows where you can.

•Choose the
right lights: Using five compact florescent lights can save you $9 per month.

•Limit the use of space heaters: Used for 12 hours a
day, they can cost up to $60 per month.

•Switch to Energy Star appliances. They use up to 40
percent less energy than conventional models sold before 2001.

•Think before you wash and dry clothes. Dry only full
loads of laundry and use the cold water setting on the washer.

•Unplug electronics: Turn off computer at night and
save up to $10 per month.

•Lower your thermostat when you're asleep or away: A
6-9 degree adjustment can save up to 10 percent a year on your heating and
cooling bills.

•Change furnace filters. Change every month to save on
energy costs and extend the life of your equipment.

•Drop the
temperature on your water heater. Set it to 120 degrees to save energy and
prevent burns.

•Visit www.nationalgridus.com
to find money-saving offers and rebates on heating, cooling, hot water systems
and more.

National Grid is an electricity and gas company that
connects consumers to energy sources through its networks. For more information,
visit www.nationalgridus.com.